Engagement, communication and knowledge exchange are a key focus of the UK Adaptation and Resilience in the Context of Change (ARCC) network. With a portfolio of over 35 research projects (£40m) in the built environment and infrastructure sectors, the ARCC network explores opportunities to engage and communicate in new and innovative ways to accelerate the uptake and use of evidence from research. This includes extending combinations of traditional and online communication with policy and practice communities to improve decision-making, work with uncertainty, and to enable innovative responses to climate change.

This presentation will explore lessons learnt related to knowledge-sharing across sectors and at local, national and international levels. In particular, the value of activities at a network level such as: science-policy/practice dialogues, knowledge exchange skills development for early career researchers and targeted themed initiatives. We will demonstrate the benefits and characteristics of engagement through finding new angles on existing research to develop and sustain researcher-stakeholder relationships.

Reflecting on the experience of the ARCC network and drawing on wider learning from across UKCIP, we will put the case for clear communication, knowledge mobilisation and genuine engagement to enable research outcomes to influence adaptation action and for these actions and associated learning to inform research directions. We will also describe the added value of an overarching network to support a broader programme of engagement and understanding.

Specific case studies will focus on engaging with developing understanding in the local built environment as well as with large-scale infrastructure operators.